Musician, performing artist and cultural Babalawo (spiritual guide) Michael Mwenso offers his unique and ancestral perspective on Black music. As an African born queer man growing up in London and New York, Mwenso and special guests delve into a wide range of his own discoveries while shedding light on the Black experience though discussion, historical recordings, and performance. 

The inherent and unknowing connection to one’s ancestors is often an integral part to shaping an artist’s musical journey. In Ancestry, Michael delves into the magical life of recently retired Senior Staff Photographer for Jazz at Lincoln Center Frank Stewart as he grew up around the greatest Black artists of the time and how he was able to see them through his lens. They talk about icons like: Bobby Blue Bland, Count Basie, Phineas Newborn, Muddy Waters, Romare Bearden.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Frank Stewart grew up in Memphis and Chicago. He has had numerous one-man and group shows at The High Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. He has twice been granted a photographic fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a New York Creative Artist Public Service Award.

Grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable seat, and learn more about Mwenso, Stewart, and the power of Black music. For more information about this and other GMC shows, go to:

Students enter: SSUStudent  in Promo code

General Tickets are available (including Faculty and Staff) for only $10